2009 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference * Anaheim, CA
December 9-13, 2009
Apply for a Visa Now!
It is important to begin the process of applying for a visa as early as possible. The timeframes for visa processing today are difficult to predict with accuracy for any individual applicant and could vary significantly by country and visa applicant. Advance planning on the part of travelers is essential to receive a visa in time for proposed travel dates to the United States. As a general planning guideline, if a visa is needed, a foreign traveler should apply for a visa as soon as possible, but generally no later than 60 calendar days before the travel date. If the conference is scientific in nature, or the applicant has a scientific background, the visa application should be made generally no later than 90 days in advance of the travel
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided tinformation on a new Elecronic System for Travel Authorization. The Department will require nationals and citizens of Visa
Waiver Program (VWP) countries to receive electronic authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.
For more information, refer to the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Waiver Program
Introducing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided the following information for international travelers. The Department will require nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to receive electronic authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.
As of August 1, 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is accessible via internet for citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP.
ESTAwill initially be available in English only. Other languages will follow. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.
How the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Works
Log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and complete an on-line application in English. Travelers are encouraged to apply early. The web-based system will prompt you to answer basic biographical and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form.
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds
An approved travel authorization via ESTA is:
* Required for all VWP travelers prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP beginning January 12, 2009;
* Valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
* Valid for multiple entries into the U.S. As future trips are planned, or if an applicant’s destination addresses or itineraries change after their authorization has been approved, they may easily update that information through the ESTA website; and
* Not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the U.S. under the VWP. (For additional information, please visit “For International Visitors” at www.CBP.gov/travel .)
ESTA will enhance the security of the VWP and enable the United States to maintain and expand participation in the program.
After January 12, 2009, VWP travelers who do not apply for and receive travel authorization via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.
The VWP is administered by DHS and enables citizens and eligible nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Additional information regarding the VWP and ESTA is available at www.cbp.gov/esta.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security looks forward to ensuring your travel remains safe and convenient today and in the future.
